Chapter 301

The tiger swiftly retreated to Calliope’s side. It glanced at Calliope, then at Lisette, seemingly disapproving of something.

Calliope glanced at Lisette and said with feigned surprise, “Oh my, Lisette, did you wet your pants? Snowy was playing with you. Why are you so scared?”

It dawned on Lisette then, and tears welled up in her eyes. She covered her face, wanting to scream but too ashamed to do so.

“Calliope, was this on purpose? How could you be so mean!” Valerian had removed his jacket and tied it around Lisette’s waist, glaring at Calliope.

“How am I mean? Weren’t you the ones who wanted to come in?” Calliope said, feigning innocence. She glanced at a soaked Horatio and Ulysses, hopping around and holding his foot.

“What happened to you guys? Didn’t I tell you to be careful when you came in? It can be dangerous here. People will get hurt if they’re unlucky.”

Calliope sighed. “Well, now that you’re in, what do you want?”

She stood there, showing no hint of inviting them inside.

“Calliope, we’re already here. Aren’t you going to invite us in for a cup of hot cocoa?” Valerian asked incredulously. They hadn’t come for the cocoa, but a little hospitality wasn’t too much to ask. Besides, Lisette and Horatio were wet. She should offer them something dry to change into.

“Get Lisette some clothes so she can change,” Valerian almost commanded Calliope. “And Horatio too. He’s soaked because of you!”

“Because of me?” Calliope raised an eyebrow. “I didn’t invite you over, did I? And I didn’t make you end up like this. It’s your own doing. How is this my fault?”

“Regardless, let us come in and sit down,” Ulysses insisted, still hopping on one foot. He needed to sit somewhere bright to check his foot. Slapped by that blasted tiger, his face still stung.

Calliope shrugged. “I suppose you can come in, but our housekeeper works hard to clean the floors. You’re all so dirty. You can’t come in with shoes on. We don’t have guest slippers, so you’ll have to go barefoot.”

“Calliope, don’t you think this is too much?” Valerian’s voice was tight with frustration. “What happened to you?”

“I haven’t changed. I’ve always been like this. You’re just noticing now?” Calliope turned and headed back inside.

Monty and the others hesitated at the door, unsure about taking off their shoes.

Snowy stood by the entrance like a vigilant guard, seemingly determined to keep them out unless they complied.

Finally, Monty took off his shoes and stepped inside. Soon after, Horatio and the others followed suit. But when Lisette tried to enter, Snowy blocked her way. No matter which way she moved, Snowy obstructed her path. Even without shoes, Snowy refused to let her pass.

Lisette was incredulous. She couldn’t help but call Valerian, “Valerian, help!”